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Palau
presidential republic in free association with the US
Humans arrived in the Palauan archipelago from Southeast Asia around 1000 B.C. and developed a complex, highly organized matrilineal society where high-ranking women picked the chiefs. The islands were the westernmost part of the widely scattered Pacific islands north of New Guinea that Spanish explorers named the Caroline Islands in the 17th century.
Profile
CapitalNgerulmud
Population22K
GDP$0.3B
Area459 km²
Leadership
Head of State
Surangel Whipps Jr.
Since 2021
At a Glance
Population
22K
GDP (PPP)
$0B
